Looking for something original to put on the table? Try these 13-spice powder dumplings. They’re packed with succulent lamb, earthy mushrooms, and salty soy. The distinctive spice mix used in this dish is made on the principle of traditional Chinese medicine. Did it water your mouth? Check out the full recipe before you plan a trip to the local grocery store, and get cooking!
Pan-Fried Lamb Dumplings
Don’t freak out when you see the long list of ingredients because, as we mentioned above, the savory dish is flavored with more spices than you think. Think twice if you believe the dumplings are hard to make, too! Check out the ingredients list below:
Filling:
- 8 oz. lamb, ground
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ qt chopped chives (jiu cai)
- ¾ qt fresh mushrooms, chopped
- ¼ qt yellow onion
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped and unpeeled
- 2 tbsp sesame oil, toasted
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp 13-spice powder
- 1 tsp freshly ground sea salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Dipping sauce:
- ¼ qt soy sauce
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp finely chopped scallions
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped and peeled
- 1 tbsp Asian chile-garlic sauce (optional)
Additional ingredients:
- 1 package of refrigerated fresh 3-inch round dumpling wrappers
- 4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- ¼ qt water, divided
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds, divided
Directions for Preparing the Dumplings
These piquant dumplings are quite easy to make. Here’s the recipe, step by step.
Prepare the filling: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, using your hand, and mix the filling, always stirring in one direction. Set aside.
Stuff the dumplings: Take one dumpling wrapper, place ½ oz. filling, and pleat the dough edge, creating a pouch that encloses the filling. Use a small bowl of water to act like glue while you work.
Cook: In a large skillet drizzled with one teaspoon of olive oil, arrange up to 12 dumplings, making sure they don’t touch. Cook over medium heat for five minutes. Add ¼ qt water and cover the skillet. If necessary, add more oil. Remove them from the skillet once they have turned golden brown.
Make the sauce: While the dumplings are steam cooked, you can make the sauce. Combine all ingredients and serve in a small bowl.